By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Wings of Tatev a cable car in Armenia has been awarded the title of World’s Leading Cable Car Ride 2024 by the esteemed World Travel Awards, solidifying its reputation as a premier global attraction. This recognition is not new to Wings of Tatev, which previously secured the award in 2021 and 2022.
A Record-Breaking Marvel
Stretching 5,752 meters, Wings of Tatev is the longest reversible cableway in the world, a feat recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. This engineering marvel, designed by the Austrian-Swiss Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group, offers an unforgettable 12-minute ride at an altitude of 320 meters above the dramatic Vorotan River gorge. It provides a unique, picturesque journey to the historic Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia’s most treasured landmarks.
A Journey Through History
Located in the Syunik province, the Tatev Monastery dates back to the 9th century. It played a pivotal role in medieval Armenia, hosting up to 1,000 monks and artisans and later housing one of the region’s most significant universities in the 14th and 15th centuries. Visitors today are drawn to its rich history and stunning natural surroundings.
A Project for Preservation and Community
The Wings of Tatev is part of the Tatev Revival program, initiated by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. This non-profit project channels all profits toward the restoration of the monastery and the development of surrounding communities. Managed by Impulse Business Management Company, the cableway symbolizes a commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
Global Recognition
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, honor excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Winning this accolade places Wings of Tatev among an elite group of nominees, including Vietnam’s Sun World Ba Na Hills Cable Car, Disney Skyliner in the United States, Mi Teleférico in Bolivia, Brazil’s Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar, PEAK 2 PEAK 360 in Canada, Skyline Queenstown in New Zealand, and South Africa’s Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
This milestone highlights Armenia’s growing appeal as a destination for travelers seeking cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. Explore more about Wings of Tatev at tatever.am.
image: Tatev Monastery: ©Embassy of Armenia to the Netherlands
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an award-winning international journalist, TV correspondent, author, editor-in-chief of an international journalism center, the Central and Eastern Europe Center, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She has graduated from the American Culture Studies and journalism. She was born in Warsaw, Poland, and also has Armenian heritage and roots in Lviv, Ukraine.
